travel insurance
 

What is the best place to purchase travel health insurance from?
I think my parents, who are seniors, should get health insurance for the trip.

Go to www.insuremytrip.com and you can compare policy terms, coverages and premiums for just about every type of trip insurance available.

Has anyone heard of IMG Patriot International? Is this a creditable medical insurance?

Thank you so much.

I understand that a good policy is available for American Express customers, a yearly fee covering all trips.

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Hi T,

Travel insurance is not health insurance.

Do your parents have health insurance other than medicare? Does it cover emergencies overses? Do they need evacuation insurance?

Just how old are these "seniors"? :)

((I))

as far as i know, one of the prime benefits of travel insurance is the provision of medical coverage while traveling.

perhaps the poster should tell us where he/she lives as the market for travel insurance differs greatly around the globe.

Sorry, I was away for a while.

We live in California, and our parents are 71 and 66 years old.
They have Medical (CA version of Medicaid), and it's my understaind that they are not covered while abroad.

We don't think we need cancellation insurance, just medical insurance.

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When my partner went on Medicare and was shopping for supplemental insurance, he checked a lot of companies, mostly priced pretty much the same. The one big question was "will it cover me when traveling, particularly in Europe?" He chose a policy that did at the same price of many policies that don't.

People, what travel medical insurance do you buy?

I searched the website, but I'm not familiar with any of them. I don't know if I can trust something like IMG Patriot International.

Theilian - There used to be an insurance brokerage in So. Cal. called Petersen International and I believe they carry some types of overseas health insurance. Not sure if it is straight travel insurance. I believe they had specialized products, but you might just check with them. I just looked and it appears there is a website for Petersen International Underwriters which is probably the firm I knew of. (I also seem to recall that they are "wholesalers" which means they may only deal with other insurance agents and brokers. Still, you might look up their number and give them a call, or if you have a regular agent or broker, he/she might be able to access Petersen.) Good luck in your search.

Theilian - I looked at the IMG website, since you asked if they are legit.

For what it's worth, they appear to be, as they say they write insurance for Sirius International, which is part of the White Mountain group. both Sirius and White Mountain are familar names in the international lnsurance industry, not fly by nights.

But, as they must be licensed to sell in California, even over the internet, you should check the California Dept of Insurance website for the above names or give the CDI a call.


Here's what IMG says about itself:

"While IMG provides complete plan administration expertise, our globally-recognized partner, Sirius International Insurance Corporation (publ), offers the financial security and reputation demanded by international consumers. Rated A (excellent) by A.M. Best and A- by Standard & Poor's*, Sirius International shares IMG's vision of the international marketplace and offers the stability of a well-established insurance company.

Sirius International is part of the White Mountains Insurance Group Ltd. With approximately $2 billion of regulatory capital and over $2 billion in gross premiums, the Group ranks among the top insurance and reinsurance organizations in the world.

*Sources: A.M. Best reconfirmed their rating in a press release dated April 22, 2004; Standard & Poor's reconfirmed their rating in a press release dated November 19, 2004"

Thank you so much for your help.

But I made a mistake. What I came across is Lifeline Plus providing IMG Patriot plan.

I checked with Cal Dep of Insurance, and I cant' find that name.

I guess I'll have try to find another one.

Thank you so much for your help.

Theilian - that sounds like a prudent decision.

Did you try Petersen International? They are what is called a surplus line broker, and place their business with a variety of insurers, including Lloyd's of London. I checked the CDI website and it shows that at least they are licensed. You should check it yourself. (Note: I'm not endorsing any agent or company. But, maybe they can give you information on how to get what you need from a legit company.)

"Name: PETERSEN INTERNATIONAL UNDERWRITERS License#: 0591207
DBA: PETERSEN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES
REF: PETERSEN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE BROKERS, INC.
REF: PETERSEN MARKETING & MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
Comments:
"PETERSEN INTERNATIONAL INSURANCE SERVICES" MUST BE USED FOR ALL INSURANCE BUSINESS CONDUCTED IN CALIFORNIA
License type: Fire and Casualty Broker-Agent Status: Active Status Date: 12/23/2002 Exp Date: 04/30/2006
License type: Life Agent Status: Active Status Date: 06/10/1980 Exp Date: 04/30/2006
License type: Registered Adminstrator Status: Active Status Date: 05/28/1992 Exp Date: 04/30/2006
License type: Surplus Lines Broker Status: Active Status Date: 03/20/1981 Exp Date: 04/30/2006
Business Address: 23929 VALENCIA BOULEVARD SUITE 215 VALENCIA, CA 91355

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Bond Information
Bond Amount: $10,000 Bond #: FX - 3SM 049 116 00
Surety Co: 22918 - AMERICAN MOTORISTS INSURANCE COMPANY

Bond Information
Bond Amount: $10,000 Bond #: FX - 69612372
Surety Co: 13188 - WESTERN SURETY COMPANY

Bond Information
Bond Amount: $50,000 Bond #: SL - 83BSBBX6295
Surety Co: 19682 - HARTFOR FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Company Appointments
This licensee is authorized to transact on behalf of the following insurers:
5 STAR LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 01/05/2005
AIG LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 09/09/1983
CONTINENTAL ASSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 06/20/1983
FIRST COLONY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 07/20/2005
HARTFORD LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 08/01/1983
JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 10/01/1984
NATIONAL FOUNDATION LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 12/07/1984
PAUL REVERE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (THE) For: Life and Disability Effective: 02/19/1987
PRINCIPAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 02/21/2005
REASSURE AMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 08/25/1983
RGA REINSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 07/28/1994
SERVUS LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 10/08/1996
ST. PAUL FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 02/11/2005
ST. PAUL GUARDIAN INSURANCE COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 02/11/2005
ST. PAUL MERCURY INSURANCE COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 02/11/2005
TRANS WORLD ASSURANCE COMPANY For: Life and Disability Effective: 08/20/1982
TRAVELERS CASUALTY AND SURETY COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
TRAVELERS CASUALTY COMPANY OF CONNECTICUT For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
TRAVELERS CASUALTY INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
TRAVELERS INDEMNITY COMPANY OF CONNECTICUT (THE) For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
TRAVELERS PROPERTY CASUALTY COMPANY OF AMERICA For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 12/30/2004
WESTERN SURETY COMPANY For: Fire and Casualty Effective: 01/06/2003"

Again, good luck in your search.

Waste of money, imho.
M

Mikemo, It's a waste of money until you need it. My fiancee's mother died while we were in Italy. The money we got back will pay for the insurance we buy in the future for many trips.

Ever think what you would do if you need to be evacuated for medical reasons. It is quite costly if you don;t have insurance.

Gail

Some good info here!

Patrick, we are both on Medicare and I too did a lot of research before buying a suppliment, making sure we were covered out of country!So far since we have had this coverage we've only paid $40.00 for the 2 of us and that was for eye exams. And believe me those cardiac stents don't come cheap and are not fully covered by Medicare.

Elaine, I will have to look at AMEX..we have platinumm cards but I've never looked at what might be covered or what is available.

The 100 dollars I spend on travel insurance may not get me anything except peace of mind..but I know I could be evacuated, get reimbursed for lost or delayed luggage, a trip cancellation or a delay, wherein I had to put out money for food or hotel, etc. I'll bet all those BA travelers that were stranded last week are wishing they'd bought it!

Ah yes, one BIG advantage of old age -- the onset of Medicare. My partner pays about $175 a month for supplemental that has covered EVERYTHING and I do mean EVERYTHING. Meanwhile I pay $500 a month ($6000 a year) and have yet to receive a penny back since my deductible is $2500 a year. Yep, that means I pay $8500 in a year before my insurance will pick up anything. Can't wait till I can get Medicare!

Patrick! I'm laughing while you are crying we pay total for 2 about $350. /month and like you we were paying abut $700.. a month with a $5000.00 dedeuctible! I was almost ready to go back to work!

But that is about the only thing that is good about growing older....except the older you get the more eccentric you can be without having to excuse it!

I think you understand that if your parents leave the US they will not be covered by any medical insurance. Medical is not the same as Medicare. You cannot buy supplemental medical insurance.

They need a complete package. I don’t know where to direct you but I know in my area I would call Blue Cross/Blue Shield or maybe Kaiser. Be aware that the coverage price is extremely expensive. In addition, you need to make sure that international medical coverage is included.

Also, if your parents should be away from the US for a period of more than 30 days, they might have problems reinstating their Medical coverage.

Theilian - It just occurred to me that, as an expat living abroad, I am covered by a Cigna International medical ins program. Not sure if this is just for expats, but you might want to contact Cigna by phone or web.

Simone, I'm trying to understand your post. Most people over 64 in the US have Medicare. And they do BUY supplemental insurance that takes over where Medicare leaves off. And some of those supplemental policies will cover them when out of the country.

jody, actually a few years ago I was paying $500 a month with a $5000 deductible. Then Mutual of Omaha decided to drop all individual health policies in Florida. I nearly had a heart attack over that until I found Fortis, which is my current policy for slightly less with half the deductible, and being an international company (based in the Netherlands) I have full coverage in Europe as well.

Check out http://www.totaltravelinsurance.com

Patrick – Most people that are age 65 or over and are insured under the Social Security system are eligible for Medicare. When I say insured, it means they must have worked a certain number of years (a minimum of 10 years) to be able to collect Social Security benefits and be entitled to Medicare.

MediCal is a State program that covers anyone that cannot be insured under Medicare and is under a certain income limit.

My apologies. When you started a sentence with the word "Medical" I interpreted it simply as medical, since the capital M was necessary at the beginning of a sentence. Now I see what it was I couldn't understand. What a horrible term -- Medical spelled the same as the generic word medical. No wonder I was confused.

California has a way of trying to be different. Most other states will call this Medicaid.

Couldn't they at least call it MediCal?

Acutally, it is MediCal. My bad.

They do call it MediCal. I just made a mistake typing. Sorry! I start falling apart after 11:00 pm.

Oh, now i get it. Gladd I never make a misteak typping.

Yikes, Patrick! I'm glad our Medicare kicked in when it did! we had Mutual of Omaha too and I would not have wanted to go thru what you did!

I was reading through the responses for travel insurance and noticed no one mentioned the largest US travel insurance company that I always use, Travel Guard International. They have a wide variety of products from high-end products to low-cost budget insurance products. They even have car rental products that will save you a ton of money than what a car rental agency would offer you. They can be reached at www.TravelGuard.com or (800) 826-1300.

Does banana8peter work for Travel Guard, heavens, am I becoming one of the Fodor forum whistle blowers, TWEET TWEET ;;) Deborah

TravelGuard and CSA are both excellent.

underhill, you posting information here I take as much more creditable than someone who has never posted before and recommends a particular company with phone etc on a thread that has not been active for two months.
A_Traveller's post about www.insuremytrip.com has always been unbiased for those of us trying to decide about travel insurance. That was my point, I think the revival of this thread seemed suspicious in a business that is very competitive and can lead consumers to believe they are buying travel insurance coverage and it may not be the best for their particular needs. Deborah

Also see www.insuremytrip.com. They are not the insurer, but a website that lets you compare coverages and costs of many. They have been recommended in a number of travel magazines and were easy to use when I wanted to cover an expensive cruise trip for my inlaws.